Supercharger system noise reduction

Abstract

Disclosed is a supercharger system (30) for an internal combustion engine (14) mounted for movement on a vehicle chassis (18). The supercharger system includes a Roots-type blower (22) fixed to the engine, an engine intake manifold (20) fixed to the engine, a chassis mounted intercooler (32), and a ducting system (34). The supercharger and intercooler and the intercooler and intake manifold each include three rigid duct members (46, 48, 50 and 54, 56, 58) connected at their interface by couplings (52, 60, 62, 64) allowing articulation therebetween. Each coupling includes telescoping ends of adjacent duct ends (46b, 50a) radially spaced apart for allowing articulation of the duct members and links 76 for limiting articulation about predetermined axes transverse to the telescoping duct ends. The radial space between the telescoping duct ends is closed by a low durometer ring seal. The totally rigid walled duct system radiates far less noise than do flexible wall ducts, the coupling allows relatively force free movement of the engine relative to intercool, thereby not interfering the vibration isolation mounts of the intercooler. And the couplings function as vibration isolators.